One of the greatest aspects of the 4-H program is the plethora of ways that programs can be provided. Agents can reach youth via clubs, school enrichment, camps, and many more avenues. Pulaski County 4-H agents, Erica Spurgeon and Jennifer Cole, have found one of the best ways to engage youth in their county is through specialized day camps.

During the summer of 2022, Pulaski County held a total of eight unique day camps. Topics included Beginner Cooking, Poultry BBQ Contest, Art, Cloverbud, Environmental, Gardening, Sewing, and STEM. Camps were wildly popular and filled up fast with waitlists. The variety of topics appealed to youth and the timing appealed to adults. To make the day camps accessible, the 4-H agents completed the process to make their Extension Office a Summer Feeding Program location in their county. Parents and guardians were able to drop youth off for the full day of educational programming where they would be served breakfast and lunch. Feedback was great and these camps gave youth a safe and educational place to spend the day during the summer months.

These day camps also resulted in successful collaboration. Pulaski County Horticulture Agent, Beth Wilson, provided activities and education during the Gardening Day Camp. Dr. Jacob, the UK Poultry Specialist, organized and provided the education during the BBQ Camp. Master Clothing volunteer, Emma Peek, conducted the Sewing Day Camp. The Kentucky Division of Water did a stream study activity with the Environmental Day Camp participants. Youth not only got to explore topics of interest, but they also got to meet people in potential, future careers.

The day camps resulted in many projects for the County Fair and State Fair. Youth who attended the Poultry BBQ day camp went on to compete in the State Poultry Barbeque Contest. Three clubs were formed based on the popularity of the Beginner Cooking, Gardening, and Sewing camps. Pulaski now has a Virtual Cooking Club, an Art in Gardening Club, and a Master Clothing Volunteer-led Sewing Club.

Pulaski County 4-H looks forward to continuing these day camps each year.

BBQ Contest Campers 

Sewing Day Campers